especially regarding load time? For a non-online computer, can they be removed as they do take up ROM space?I had to download 184 updates on a new computer to use some latest features. But most of the updates are for security issues.

Apart from actually testing performance before and after each operating system update individually (logistically a near impossible task), there's no easy way of knowing whether any given update will affect performance. Usually they wouldn't (and merely occupying disk space wouldn't usually matter), but of course the Meltdown/Spectre fixes are notable exceptions. Also operating system updates often contain important fixes, and occasionally even give performance improvements.

Best regards,Martin.

[Please use email or the Contact page if you need to contact us privately, rather than private forum messages.]